UCI stem cell center awes students

Oct. 3, 2012

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

1 of 8

Emily Nordhoff, Junior Research Specialist is harnessed in a body weight support system that is used to measure walking patterns. More than 250 high school students took a tour of UC Irvine's Stem Cell program to learn about stem cell research. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 8

High school students listen intently to speakers during a visit to the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at UC Irvine on Monday. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 8

A group of students from Westminster High learn about stem cell research as Emily Nordhoff, Junior Research Specialist, left, is harnessed in a body weight support system that is used to measure walking patterns. More than 250 high school students took a tour of UC Irvine's Stem Cell program. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 8

Westminster High student Kenny Phan tests his stride pattern during a visit to the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at UC Irvine on Monday. More than 250 high school students were expected to tour center on Monday. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 8

Dr. Kelli Sharp, lab director at UC Irvine's Stem Cell Research Center demonstrates a wheelchair that is used for rehab and research at the center. About 250 area high school students visited there on Monday. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 8

Aileen Anderson, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Physical Medicine and Neurobiology Rehabilitation, Anatomy & Neurobiology at UC Irvine addresses a group of high school students who were invited to tour the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center on Monday. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 8

Aileen Anderson, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Physical Medicine and Neurobiology Rehabilitation, Anatomy & Neurobiology at UC Irvine addresses a group of high school students who were invited to tour the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center on Monday. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of 8

Research Associate Amanda Dickson discusses new advances in stem cell research to a group of high school students touring UC Irvine's Stem Cell program. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

Emily Nordhoff, Junior Research Specialist is harnessed in a body weight support system that is used to measure walking patterns. More than 250 high school students took a tour of UC Irvine's Stem Cell program to learn about stem cell research.CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

IRVINE – High school sophomore Derek Le said he's always been interested in science. But it wasn't until he saw how researchers could use stem cells to repair tissue damaged by heart attacks that Le thought science could be his future career.

"Wow, this is so amazing," said Le, a student from Westminster High. "They can create cells to fix people's hearts. I think I want to do something like this."

Le was among 250 high school students from across Orange County who toured UC Irvine's Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center on Monday. They visited labs and saw presentations showing how the institute, one of the nation's leaders in the research, grows and studies stem cells. They also heard from researchers, doctors and lab technicians about careers in the growing field.

For the center, the tour served not only as an opportunity to show off its work, but also as a recruitment tool, a way to boost the number of students interested in the science.

"If we can stimulate some of these kids to take a stronger look at what we do here, we might get a few who may some day want to work with stem cells," said Dr. Peter Donovan, the center's director. "Stem cells are transforming the way medicine is practiced. Who knows? Maybe one day, one of these students will make the next great discovery."

The center's effort if part of a national movement started by educators, researchers, businesses and other groups to encourage more students to pursue careers in science, technology engineering and math, often shortened to the term "STEM."

Most of the fastest-growing occupations over the next 10 years will require significant mathematic or science preparation, according to labor estimates.

The UC Irvine visit was part of a series field trips and activities planned by Westminster High to promote science and math careers. Dana Braun, coordinator of Westminster High's health sciences academy, said Monday's tour offered her students the chance to see firsthand how scientists work.

"I wanted them to see these scientific advancements, and how they all involve people from different backgrounds working together doing different types of jobs," she said.

Sophomore Odessi Barragan, who wants to become a neonatal nurse, said she learned that stem cell research can play a role across all medical fields, including her own.

"It's just so interesting to see how they can create cells that can help babies with medical conditions get better," she said. "Now, I want to learn more about that."

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.